An offseason of second chances under center rages on.
Two months after the 49ers executed a trade with the Jaguars to acquire first-round flop Blaine Gabbert, the Chicago Bears are adding a former crash-and-burn starter of their own.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Thursday that the team has signed Jimmy Clausen, according to quarterback tutor Steve Clarkson. The Bears later confirmed the move.
Drafted by the Panthers in the second round in 2010, Clausen made 10 starts as a rookie for a disastrous Carolina team that won just two games. Armed with the No. 1 overall pick the following April, the Panthers selected Cam Newton and Clausen hasn't played an NFL snap since. Carolina released him in August.
"I am looking forward to getting on the field and trying to learn the playbook as fast as possible," Clausen told Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. "... This is a great opportunity."
Clausen also told Biggs that he's known Marc Trestman ever since the current Bears coach ran the passer's Notre Dame pro day four years ago.
Now 26, Clausen will compete with Jordan Palmer and sixth-round pick David Fales for a roster spot behind starter Jay Cutler. He's no lock to make Chicago's roster -- or any roster -- in 2014.
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